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The American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) is hosting a free webinar from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Wednesday, September 24, on states’ and treatment providers’ response to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s updated regulations governing opioid treatment programs (OTP). The updated regulations, in place since October 2024, are intended to increase accessibility to and flexibility within OTPs, including methadone treatment for opioid use disorder.

Registration for the webinar is required.

The webinar builds on the July 2025 presentation that provided guidance to OTPs on the updated regulations. Presenters will share how states and treatment providers are complying with the regulations and how patients have benefited through increased access, retention, and treatment flexibility.

The discussion will serve as a prelude to AATOD’s policy discussions at the upcoming national conference in Philadelphia, October 4 – 8, 2025.

The webinar will also be available on-demand via the AATOD website. Certificates of Attendance will be provided upon request. For questions, email AATOD.

This forum will be held to support provider preparedness. The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee. ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends developing with the implementation of performance-based contracting.

Audience: Residential Providers

Date: December 22, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Register Here

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is providing the opportunity for public comment on the Pennsylvania Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) Block Grant application. This application will occur in three parts:

  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Assessment and Plan
  • SUPTRS Report (available in November)
  • Annual Synar Report (available in December)

The application documents can be accessed through SAMHSA’s Web Block Grant Application System (WebBGAS) using the login “citizenpa” and password “citizen.”

Please submit your comments by Tuesday, September 30.

The agenda for the October 1, 2025, virtual Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee meeting has been released. The meeting will be held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Information specific to this meeting is below:

Comments and questions should be sent electronically.

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On September 24, 2025, WellSky will be conducting a webinar on the fiscal year (FY) 2026 inpatient rehabilitation facility prospective payment system (IRF PPS) final rule that was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in early August. The webinar will begin at 12:00 pm. There is no cost to participate in this webinar.

Topics will include:

  • The key changes in the 2026 IRF Final Rule impacting reimbursement;
  • The technical changes and their indirect effects on your program;
  • The amendments to the QRP and the appeal process; and
  • The latest concerns about potential IRF reimbursement denials.

To participate in the webinar, register here.

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Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) recently launched an initiative focused on improving the outcomes that matter most: meeting the needs of children and families and keeping children safe. The goals of the initiative are to make sure that children and families have access to the support and services they need for children to grow and thrive in a safe home, reduce involvement with the child welfare system, and support successful transition out for those already involved in the child welfare system.

DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh invites you to upcoming listening sessions, where more details about the initiative will be shared. As part of these sessions, DHS will be seeking your feedback on this initiative, particularly involving actionable ideas around prevention, diversion, crisis intervention, and once involved, what is needed to successfully transition out of the child welfare system. An overview of the initiative can be found here. Please review these slides prior to the session.

Your voice matters, and your input will help shape the future of child welfare in our Commonwealth. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to support children and families across Pennsylvania.

How to Participate:

The PA Children and Families Initiative will host four public listening sessions. DHS encourages you to register for the session that corresponds to your region (see schedule below). However, if you are unable to attend your region’s designated session, you may register for another session that better fits your schedule.

There are two ways to provide feedback during the listening sessions:

  • You may submit comments using the chat function at any point during the session.
  • You may register to speak during the event. Each speaking slot is limited to two (2) minutes per participant. To maximize speaking opportunities, we ask that individuals (or organizations or providers) only sign up to speak at one (1) listening session. Speakers are also invited to contribute additional comments in the chat if two (2) minutes is not sufficient.

Speaking slots are limited and will be allocated as time allows. If you wish to speak, please indicate your interest in the registration form. After you register, you will receive an invitation to attend the session. Please note that only registered participants will be able to attend the event. Speakers will receive a confirmation email with further details.

Webinar Sessions: Please visit the link for your preferred session to register.

  • Central Region | Tuesday, September 23 | 2:00 pm [Register Here]
    • Counties Served: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Somerset, Union, York
  • Western Region | Friday, September 26 | 1:00 pm [Register Here]
    • Counties Served: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland
  • Southeast Region | Monday, September 29 | 2:30 pm [Register Here]
    • Counties Served: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
  • Northeast Region | Tuesday, September 30 | 3:30 pm [Register Here]
    • Counties Served: Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming

Your feedback is essential to this initiative, and DHS looks forward to your participation!

Please contact Emma Sharp with any questions.

RCPA, as part of a statewide provider and association coalition, has sent a letter to the PA Congressional Delegation regarding the extension of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit (EPTC). The coalition urges Congress to move quickly to pass legislation extending EPTCs that make marketplace plans more affordable for people who purchase their own health insurance; these are set to expire at the end of 2025.

If EPTCs are not extended, an estimated 270,000 Pennsylvanians are likely to become uninsured. Pennsylvania taxpayers end up paying for their care in one way or another because uninsured people are often forced to delay or avoid care for treatable conditions. They ultimately end up sicker and require more expensive care in hospitals, which leads to higher, uncompensated care costs for both hospitals and providers. In addition, they acquire medical debt and experience health complications that can jeopardize their employment or employability.

Read the letter here. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.